By Jennifer Sadler

There’s nothing small about the effect small businesses have on the Columbus-area community. The nationwide “shop local” movement has taken a strong foothold here because residents understand that what’s good for local business is good for local customers, the community and the economy. And the holidays are a great time to not only reinvest those extra dollars you’re spending, but also to spread holiday cheer by showing your local mom-and-pop businesses that you appreciate them and want them to succeed.

This year, the average holiday shopper will spend an estimated $751 on gifts, decorations and other holiday purchases, according to the National Retail Federation. Holiday shopping can be stressful, but those who’ve embraced the notion of “buy local” know that it can be a warm and fuzzy feel-good experience.

Buy local enthusiasts in Columbus are aware of the positive, long-term impact of their buying decisions and are increasingly putting their money into their own neighborhoods. Buying at independent stores circulates two to four times more revenue back into the local economy than buying at chains, research shows, because local merchants tend to buy their goods and services in the immediate region, donate to local charities and hire locally. All of this sends a ripple of economic benefits through other businesses in the area and supports jobs.

Columbus is no different from other cities in that we’re proud of our uniqueness and diversity and want to continue to nurture and preserve our history and traditions. As evidence of our dedication to community, Columbus is rife with wonderfully unique and vibrant neighborhoods featuring locally owned boutiques, coffeehouses, wine shops, stores featuring local artisans, restaurants, service-oriented businesses and more—with many of them having been around for decades.

Neighborhoods that attract holiday shoppers every year, like the nationally known Short North Arts District, Clintonville, Olde Worthington, Olde Town East, German Village, Bexley and many more—all have their own distinct character and rich history with independent merchants who specialize in the tastes and needs of their residents.

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ColumbusArts.com Profile:  Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative

As the most comprehensive online events guide and resource for arts and culture in central Ohio, ColumbusArts.com offers a virtual guide through the Columbus art world with a searchable database of events, concerts, performances and more. ColumbusArts.com is an engaging place for artists and arts organizations to share what they do, with an average of 30,000 users per month. The ColumbusArts.com Artist Directory allows visual, performing and literary artists to create a profile and portfolio to showcase their work—for free—and enables art enthusiasts to easily search for and connect with them. Our monthly ColumbusArts.com artist profile series features interviews with a few of the many talented individuals who make up central Ohio’s thriving creative community.

This month's profile features the Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative, a collective of talented local artists that are dedicated to promoting the art of printmaking by providing a well-equipped studio, educational opportunities and an environment of mutual support, camaraderie and inspiration for artists, students and the community. We spoke with member artist, Cindy Davis, to learn more about Phoenix Rising. Davis is an accomplished printmaker and shares her skills and inspiration by teaching workshops.

By Jennifer Sadler

"I learned printmaking from a Fransican priest in central Italy. He was a well-known artist who had taught printmaking in the university in Perugia, and very kindly offered to take me as his student. My work is kind of schizophrenic: I work in either a totally abstract expressionist mien, or a meticulously detailed style. I feel equally at home in either realm, and I love the adjustments in approach when I switch between them. . .Anne Cushman was a co-founder and president for many years. She is a prime example of the kind of dedicated artist and mentor that sustains our organization. Phoenix has several long-term members, I think it says a lot about the importance of community to artists. We are all very involved in making Phoenix a great resource for artists in Columbus. Our members are supportive of each other's growth and welcoming to anyone who wants to print. Who wouldn't want to be a part of a group like this?"

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